Yes, there's a lot of them out there. Like they're just for advanced hoopers and the hoops are meant to be very small. Not such a thing. This whole beginner and advanced hoop thing starts to get on my "hoop core" so...... polypro is just a material out of which hoops are made. Same as HDPE. Both are types of tubing used in hydraulics. They both make great hoops, small and big.
Here are my thoughts:
-Polypro (polypropylene or ppe) is just a different hoop
material that is much more RESPONSIVE, BENDY, FLEXY meaning more ease
when transitioning, jumping, changing directions. All those moves can be
done with HDPE as well just with a bit more effort and strength to it. If your hoop sessions are longer then poly can be more kind to your body because it just bounces off gently from point of contact. HDPE will give your muscles a nice kneading action though :)
- Polypro feels lighter, gentler, bouncier; If you ever received massage then poly feels like more energetic tune up or lymphatic drainage massage (great for decreasing swelling and inflammation, promotes regeneration of tissue and elimination of metabolic waste/toxins). Lymphatic drainage has a very delicate structure just under the skin and light, feather touch pressure is optimal to prevent lymphatic capillaries from collapsing and the drainage to be activated. HDPE on the other hand feels more firmer depending on its size and thickness.
- Poly makes great beginner hoops! Yes, that's right. It's not reserved for speedy, off body moves. I've seen 43" poly hoops that people enjoy greatly as it decreases
pressure on the hip when learning resulting in less bruising; it's
FORGIVING for technical mishaps and if it lands on your head you're not worried about going to work with black eye the next day lol; it also makes less noise when falls down
Overall I really like this new hoop material. I love its responsiveness but for long time I stayed away from them as I like my hoops a bit heavier like 1lbs vs. a dime he he. And I am not a big fan of small ones. And whenever you look in the hoop world poly hoop is small, light and used 90% for off body moves. I am here to tell you that you can have a big ass poly hoop and core hoop like there's no tomorrow. Sometimes all we need is the permission to do things our way. I encourage you to do so.
I came up with a solution to my preferences. I stay with my 38" diameter (allows lots of layers of movement, extension and space to slow down). The size itself helps to add a bit of weight which translates to pleasurable pressure when I hoop. To add a bit more weight (enough to satisfy me and still give me plenty of options when hooping) I decided to tape it and add gaffers tape on the inside for grip. Result? My perfect hoop. I cannot wait to pick it up next week! On a side note, I've read that adding tape to poly is not recommended as it decreases responsiveness. I tried few hoops that were taped and did not experience any dramatic change. If anything, I felt more connected with it.
Be willing to experiment (it took me a while as speedy moves and small hoop myth really kept me away from those) and stay true to your style and preferences. This will make you a truly happy and authentic hooper.
Wow, never thought I would have so much to say about polypro. Holy Hoops, I am changing. Hoop Revolution?

